CN1843007A - Method and system for providing network synchronization with a unified messaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for providing network synchronization with a unified messaging system (104) is provided. The method includes receiving and storing (300) message data, such as voice data, for a specified recipient. An enhanced e-mail message is generated (302) for the recipient. The message, which is in hypertext mark-up language (HTML) format, includes the message data and a synchronization link that points to a web server (128). The message is sent (304) to the recipient through an e-mail server (108) corresponding to an e-mail client (110) associated with the recipient. When the client downloads the message from the server (108) and renders the HTML, the synchronization link is fetched. As a result, the web server (128) receives (306) a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) request from the client (110) based on the message and provides (308) network synchronization based on that HTTP request.

Description

Method and system for providing network synchronization with a unified messaging system

technical field

The present invention relates generally to communication systems, and more particularly to methods and systems for providing network synchronization with a unified messaging system.

Background technique

As the need for simplified communication increases, a unified messaging system has been developed and implemented to streamline the messaging system. For example, some unified messaging systems allow voicemail, fax, and email to be combined so that a user can receive all of these types of communications through a single application.

However, existing unified messaging systems often use software on the email client, which is often expensive from a support standpoint, or requires a direct connection to the email server hosting the client, which requires the system to have access to The server also knows the user's password to synchronize web content and email infrastructure. Additionally, accessing email servers remains problematic in conventional network configurations due to network topology and security issues.

Contents of the invention

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method and system for providing network synchronization with a unified messaging system that substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with conventional methods and systems.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing network synchronization with a unified messaging system, the method comprising receiving and storing message data, such as voice data, for a designated recipient. Generate enhanced email messages for recipients. A message formatted as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) includes message data and a synchronization link to a Web server. The message is sent to the recipient via an email server corresponding to the email client associated with the recipient. When the client downloads the message from the server and renders the HTML, the synchronization link is taken out. As a result, the Web server receives a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request from the client based on the message, and provides network synchronization based on the HTTP request.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a unified messaging system is provided, which includes a media application server and a web server. The media application server is capable of receiving and storing message data of a designated recipient, and generating an enhanced email message for the recipient based on the message data. Enhanced email messages include message data and a synchronization link to a web server. The web server is coupled to the media application server and is capable of receiving hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) requests from email clients associated with recipients based on the enhanced electronic message and providing network synchronization based on the HTTP requests.

Description of drawings

For a more comprehensive understanding of the present invention and its advantages, the following description is now made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals represent the same parts, wherein:

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the media application server of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing network synchronization with the unified messaging system of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

1 through 3 (discussed below) and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the invention in this patent document are for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the invention may be implemented in any suitably arranged communication system.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a communication system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As detailed below, the communication system 100 is operable to provide network synchronization for processing email messages without requiring additional software or user interaction on the email server. Accordingly, the communication system 100 may allow unified messaging to be utilized with any conventional email server without hosting email on a unified messaging platform.

The illustrated communication system 100 includes a network 102 , a unified messaging system 104 , at least one email server 108 and at least one email client 110 . The communication system 100 also includes a plurality of communication devices 112, and may include at least one mobile switching center (MSC) 120 and at least one public telephone network 122, such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Network 102 is coupled to unified messaging system 104 and email server 108 , and may also be coupled to mobile switching center 120 and/or some communication devices 112 . As used herein, the term "coupled" refers to any direct or indirect communication between two or more components, whether or not those components are in physical contact with each other.

Network 102 is operable to facilitate communication between components of communication system 100 . For example, network 102 may communicate Internet packets (IP), frame relay frames, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cells, or other suitable information between network addresses. Network 102 may include one or more local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), all or part of a global network such as the Internet, or any other communication system at one or more locations.

The illustrated unified messaging system 104 includes a media application server 126 and a Web server 128 . Media application server 126 and web server 128 may communicate with each other. According to one embodiment, the unified messaging system 104 is operable to provide any email client 110 with enhanced email functionality from any communication device 112 in the communication system 100 . As used herein, "enhanced email" refers to email that includes audio messages, such as voice messages, and/or video messages. For this embodiment, unified messaging system 104 is operable to receive message data from communication device 112 for a particular recipient, store the message data, and generate an enhanced email for the recipient based on the message data.

Enhanced email typically includes audio and/or video messages as attachments. However, it is to be understood that enhanced email may include any suitable form of audio and/or video messages. According to one embodiment, an audio message and/or a video message in a compressed format may be included as an attachment.

Enhanced email messages are structured to include a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) body with synchronization links. The synchronization link includes a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with message-specific header data pointing to the Web server 128 . Media application server 126 is operable to send enhanced email to recipients over network 102 . For example, the media application server 126 is operable to send a message to the email server 108 of the corresponding email client 110 associated with the recipient.

Thus, when the email client 110 downloads the enhanced email from the email server 108 and renders the HTML, the synchronization link is fetched and the Web server 128 identified in the header data is accessed. The URL includes information that is unique to the message to be synchronized: for the email client 110, the HTTP URL is being fetched; and for the Web server 128, the HTTP request is being received with additional header information. In this manner, network synchronization may occur, which allows media application server 126 to mark messages in media application server 126 as read, deleted, and/or processed in any other suitable manner.

According to one embodiment, media application server 126 includes one or more processors 130 operable to execute instructions, and one or more memories 132 operable to store instructions and data for processors 130 . One embodiment of the media application server 126 is shown in FIG. 2 described below, and in the section entitled "DISTRIBUTED ARCHITECTURES UPPORTING COMMUNICATION SESSIONS IN ACOMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD" and in conjunction with Copending US Patent Application No./, filed on the same date and identified by Attorney Docket No. 15996RRUS01U (NORT10-00304), is set forth herein, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Microprocessor 130 is generally understood as a device that drives a general-purpose computer. Note, however, that other processor devices, such as microcontrollers or ASICs, could also be used and achieve the benefits and advantages described herein.

Media application server 126 and web server 128 may include logic encoded in the media. The logic includes functional instructions for performing program tasks. Media includes computer disks or other computer-readable media, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, digital signal processors, other suitable special-purpose or general-purpose processors, transmission media, or other suitable media in which logic can be encoded and used.

Email server 108 is operable to provide email services to one or more email clients 110 operable to support HTML email messages. Email server 108 may include Outlook, Lotus Notes, Netscape Mail, etc. Email clients 110 may include Microsoft Exchange, IPlanet, and the like. Email server 108 and email client 110 may communicate using Post Office Protocol (POP), Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), or any other suitable protocol.

Each communication device 112 may include any suitable device operable to communicate audio data, such as speech or other audio data, over network 102 to media application server 126 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the communication device 112 may include a wireless communication device 112a operable to communicate with the network 102 through a mobile switching center 120, a wired Internet protocol (IP) ( IP) telephone 112b, a personal computer 112c having a microphone for capturing audio data operable to communicate directly with the network 102, a telephone 112d operable to communicate with the network 102 over the public telephone network 122, and/or any other Appropriate communication devices.

Network 102 and PSTN 122 may communicate using different protocols. Accordingly, to facilitate communication between these networks 102 and 122, network 102 may be coupled to PSTN 122 using gateway 134 operable to translate between different protocols.

Additionally, media application server 126 may be coupled to PSTN 122 or gateway 134. For this embodiment, the media application server 126 is operable to receive message data for an enhanced email message from the communication device 112 without the message data being communicated over the network 102 .

Various components of communication system 100 may be coupled to each other by communication lines 140 . Communication line 140 may be any type of communication link capable of supporting data transfer. In one embodiment, communication link 140 may comprise an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), T1 or T3 communication link, hardwired line, or telephone link, alone or in combination. It is to be understood that communication link 140 may include other suitable types of data communication links. Communication link 140 may also be connected to a number of intermediate servers (not illustrated in FIG. 1 ) between components of communication system 100 .

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the media application server 126 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, although the media application server 126 is described below in connection with the communication system 100, it is to be understood that the media application server 126 may be included as part of other suitable systems without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the media application server 126 includes a media manager 202 , a media controller 202 , two media processors 206 a - b and a content store 208 .

The media manager 202 is operable to process signaling messages received by the media application server 126 . For example, communication device 112 may pass signaling messages directly (or through a gateway, which acts as an ingress/egress to and from the communication network) to media application server 126 . In other embodiments, the communication device 112 passes the signaling message to the media application server 126 indirectly, such as when the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) application server 210 (which receives the request from the device 112) sends the signaling message on behalf of the communication device 112. to Media Manager 202. Communication device 112 may communicate with SIP application server 210 directly or indirectly through a gateway, such as gateway 134 . The media manager 202 processes the signaling messages and passes the processed messages to the media controller 204 . As a particular example, media manager 202 may implement SIP call control, parameter encoding, and media event packet functions.

The media controller 204 is operable to manage the operation of the media application server 126 to provide services to the communication device 112 and/or other devices such as video clients. For example, media controller 204 may receive a processed SIP request from media manager 202 . The media controller 204 may then select the appropriate media processor 206 to handle each call, enforce permissions controlling how the media application server 126 can be used, and control negotiations based on the permissions. Negotiation may include identifying a codec to be used for encoding and decoding audio or video information during a call and/or other appropriate service.

The media processors 206a-b are operable to handle the exchange of audio and/or video information between clients involved in a call. For example, media processor 206 may receive audio and video information from one client involved in a call, process the required information, and forward the information to at least one other client involved in the call. Audio and video information may be received through one or more ports 212 that couple media processors 206a - b to network 102 . Each port 212 may comprise any suitable structure operable to facilitate communication between media application server 126 and network 102 .

In the illustrated embodiment, within media application server 126, each media processor 206 provides a different function. For example, in the media application server 126, the first media processor 206a may provide interactive voice response (IVR) functionality. As particular examples, the media processor 206a may support a voicemail function that can record and play messages, and/or an auto-answer function that can provide a menu to direct the caller to a particular destination based on the caller's selections. In the media application server 126, the media processor 206b may provide conferencing functionality, such as by facilitating the exchange of audio and/or video information between clients.

The content store 208 is operable to provide access to content used by various components of the communication system 100 . For example, content store 208 may provide access to stored voicemail messages, codes for initiating or joining a conference call, and/or any other suitable information. Content store 208 may include a conventional database or any other suitable data storage means.

According to one embodiment, a Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) platform 214 may be coupled to the media application server 126. In a particular embodiment, J2EE platform 214 may correspond to web server 128 . In communication system 100, J2EE platform 214 is operable to allow media application server 126 to retrieve information for providing services to users. For example, J2EE platform 214 may provide audio announcements used by interactive voice response media processor 206a. J2EE platform 214 represents one possible means for providing audio or other information to media application server 126 . However, it is to be understood that any suitable means may be used to provide information to the media application server 126 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In particular embodiments, the various components of media application server 126 include software processes executable by processor 130 of media application server 126 . Although components 202, 204, 206a-b, and 208 have been described as being performed by media application server 126, it is to be understood that the software process may be performed by any other suitable computing device without departing from the scope of the present invention.

While FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a media application server 126, various changes may be made while ensuring the advantages and functionality described herein. For example, any number of media processors 206a - b may be used in media application server 126 . Also, the functional division shown in FIG. 2 is merely illustrative. Various components may be combined or omitted, or additional components may be added, according to specific functional objectives or needs.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing network synchronization with the unified messaging system 104 according to one embodiment of the invention. The method begins at step 300 where the media application server 126 receives and stores message data for a recipient associated with a specified email account and client machine 110 . As used herein, "message data" refers to audio data and/or video data of an enhanced email message. At step 302 , media application server 126 generates an enhanced email message with message data and a synchronization link to Web server 128 .

At step 304 , the media application server 126 sends the enhanced email message to the email server 108 hosting the specified email client 110 . Designated email client 110 downloads the enhanced email message from email server 108 and views the message. This causes the HTML of the enhanced e-mail message to be rendered such that the synchronization link is fetched so that the Web server 128 receives the HTTP request from the designated e-mail client 110, as shown in step 306. The HTTP request identifies the specified email client 110 and the enhanced email message in header data.

At step 308, the Web server 128 provides network synchronization based on HTTP requests and processes enhanced email messages. For example, the message may be marked for reading, deletion or processing in any other suitable manner.

In this way, unified messaging system 104 may be implemented without additional software or user interaction, resulting in network synchronization. Additionally, since synchronization is accomplished via HTTP requests, there is no need to modify firewalls or existing security systems.

It may be useful to clarify definitions of some words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms "include" and "comprises" and their derivatives mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive and means and/or; the phrases "associated with" and "associated with" and their derivatives may mean to include, include in, interconnect with, include, include in, connect to... or connected to, coupled to, or coupled with, communicable with, cooperating with, interlaced, juxtaposed, next to, bound to, or with binds, has, has properties, etc.; and if the term "controller" is used herein, it refers to any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such as available hardware, firmware, or software, or at least two of them A device realized by a certain combination of species. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely.

Although the present invention has been described through several embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to those skilled in the art. The present invention is intended to cover such changes and modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. one kind is used to provide the method with unified message transmission system Network Synchronization, comprising:

Receive and store the message data of specifying the addressee;

Generate enhancement mode electronics email message, described message comprises described message data and synchronization link;

Send described message to described appointment addressee;

Reception is from HTTP (HTTP) request of the E-mail client that is associated with described addressee, and described HTTP request is based on described message; And

Provide Network Synchronization based on described HTTP request.

2. the method for claim 1, described synchronization link points to Web server, and receives described HTTP request and be included in described Web server and receive described HTTP request.

3. the method for claim 1, send described message to described addressee and comprise to e-mail server and send described message that described e-mail server can be operated the described E-mail client that is used for to described addressee and send described message corresponding to the described E-mail client that is associated with described addressee.

4. the method for claim 1, described message comprises HTML(Hypertext Markup Language), and comprises that from the described HTTP request of described E-mail client the HTML in response to the described message of reproducing receives described HTTP request based on described message sink.

5. the method for claim 1 also comprises and handles described message.

6. method as claimed in claim 5 is handled described message and is comprised described message marking for reading.

7. method as claimed in claim 5 is handled described message and is comprised the described message of deletion.

8. unified message transmission system comprises:

Media application server can be operated and is used to receive and store the message data of specifying the addressee, and generates described addressee's enhancement mode electronics email message based on described message data, and described enhancement mode electronics email message comprises described message data and synchronization link; And

Web server, be coupled to described media application server, described Web server can be operated HTTP (HTTP) request that is used to receive from the E-mail client that is associated with described addressee, described request is based on described enhancement mode electronics email message, and based on described HTTP request provides Network Synchronization, described synchronization link points to described Web server.

9. system as claimed in claim 8, described media application server also can be operated the e-mail server that is used for through corresponding to the described E-customer's machine that is associated with described addressee and be sent described enhancement mode electronics email message to described appointment addressee, and described e-mail server can be operated the described E-mail client that is used for to described addressee and send described message.

10. system as claimed in claim 8, described enhancement mode electronics email message comprises HTML(Hypertext Markup Language), and described Web server can be operated the HTML that is used in response to the described enhancement mode electronics email message that is reproducing and receives described HTTP request from described E-mail client.

11. system as claimed in claim 8, described Web server also can be operated and be used to handle described message.

12. system as claimed in claim 11, described Web server can operate be used for by with described message marking for reading to handle described message.

13. system as claimed in claim 11, described Web server can be operated and be used for handling described message by deleting described message.

14. a unified message transmission system comprises:

Computer-readable media; And

Be stored in the logic on the described computer-readable media, described logic can be operated and is used for: receive and store the message data of specifying the addressee; Generate enhancement mode electronics email message, described message comprises described message data and synchronization link; Send described message to described appointment addressee; Reception is from HTTP (HTTP) request of the E-mail client that is associated with described addressee, and described request is based on described message; And based on described HTTP request provides Network Synchronization.

15. system as claimed in claim 14, described synchronization link points to Web server, and described logic can be operated and is used for asking to receive described HTTP request by receive described HTTP at described Web server.

16. system as claimed in claim 14, described logic can be operated and is used for sending described message by send described message to the e-mail server corresponding to the described E-mail client that is associated with described addressee to described appointment addressee, and described e-mail server can be operated the designates e-mail client computer that is used for to described addressee and send described message.

17. system as claimed in claim 14, described message comprises HTML(Hypertext Markup Language), and described logic can be operated and is used for receiving described HTTP request by the HTML in response to the described message of reproducing and comes based on the described HTTP request of described message sink from described E-mail client.

18. also can operating, system as claimed in claim 14, described logic be used to handle described message.

19. system as claimed in claim 18, described logic can operate be used for by with described message marking for reading to handle described message.

20. can operating, system as claimed in claim 18, described logic be used for handling described message by deleting described message.

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